Survey: Grocery shoppers seek leading-edge solutions

Mobile self-checkout is just one of the technologies a majority of grocery store customers would like to use.

According to an online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults from Inmar Intelligence, 68% of respondents use a grocery retailer’s mobile app while shopping. In doing so, 71% of respondents are interested in using the app to help locate desired items within the store, and 78% are interested in mobile apps that feature available deals and promotions. Once their grocery shopping is complete, 69% of respondents would like to use a retailer’s mobile app to self-scan products and check out.

When it comes to digital displays, 81% of respondents are interested in in-store directories for more information about products, and 91% reported that they would like to see digital shelf displays show information about sales and promotional offers. 

Digital displays also play a role in meal planning, as 72% of respondents are interested in the potential for digital shelf displays that show recipes and meal planning ideas.

Additional findings in the report include: 
•    41% of respondents say they regularly use technology to make grocery shopping easier.

•    44% of respondents (of which 41% are millennials) use social media channels while shopping in-store for groceries.

•    Facebook is the top social channel utilized in-store, with 30% of respondents saying they use it for product advice and purchase recommendations, or to look for a recipe. 
•    YouTube is the second most referenced platform in-store, with 20% of respondents reporting using YouTube for meal ideas, new recipes and to read product reviews.

•    Shoppers report using Instagram and Pinterest in-store for meal ideas, new recipes and product reviews, as well, but less frequently (17% and 11%, respectively).